If you're an avid runner, done track and field, cross country, or just enjoy lacing up on a regular basis for cardio, you can probably relate to these things! Running is a grueling, but rewarding sport. Sure, the bright colored clothes, fancy shoes, and shiny metals may look pretty; but believe me, it's not all glam and glory!

1. First off, running ruins your feet. You have blisters on top of blisters, purplish-black toenails, and your feet always stink. My mom and my boyfriend are always commenting on my beautifully smelling feet and sneakers.

2. You can successfully blow your nose without using a tissue or both hands. Snot rockets, they happen. The more skilled you get, the better off you are. Let's face it, if you're running a race, there is no time to fix that leaky nose of yours!

3. We get high... runner's high, of course! Chase those endorphins. There is no greater feeling in the world than when your endorphin's kick in on a race or long run.

4. Spandex over underwear. Sometimes, it is just easier to go commando during a long race. Scratch the undies, but please don't forget to back the Nike Pros, because running without them is undo-able.

5. You can never have enough sneakers. Buy one get one half off sale? Well, of course we must get 2 pairs! We cannot resist new models of our shoes. The more, the better. "Buying new running shoes is always justifiable," I say to my mom as she gasps at the 6 pair of sneakers I have lined up in my room.

6. It's always better with a group. Sure, logging miles and getting a good workout in is always a great feeling. In reality, we know we would rather have a buddy... or 5 with us to make the time pass by quicker, to pace us, and it's just a good feeling knowing you're not the only crazy person in town who enjoys a 12 mile run in a blizzard (Shout out to you Dawn Lynn and Amy Prokop!).

7. Your Garmin watch or your Fitbit is your most prized accessory. Forget the diamond studded watch, these two babies are where it's at.

8.) Water has never tasted so good. You're running, it's 85 degrees out on a summer day (or higher), and all you can think about is gulping a bottle of water down. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day has never been easier.

9. Losing a toenail isn't dramatic, and you have probably lost at least one in your life time. When I tell people my toenails fall off, they cringe. I can look at my feet and say, "Oh, I lost this one after my first half marathon!" They're just toenails, they grow back!

10. There is no greater love in the world. Whether you're running for 10 minutes or 10 miles, fast or slow, old or young; running captures a piece of our heart that nothing else in the world can possibly fulfill.